All the places I have been

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Here's a fun little app. I still think real maps are much more fun - my grandaddy had a map of all his travels when I was growing up. Guess it's in my blood! And I suppose this is further proof to all of you who tease me about all of my travels - yes, I am STILL actually in grad school. But of course open to suggestions for my final days in Europe :)

Greece

The trip to Greece was amazing - huge thanks to mom for a beautifully done trip to celebrate (yet again) her 60th and their 40th wedding anniversary and my pre-graduation. I'm kind of enjoying this deal and hoping we can celebrate again this summer when I graduate with my MBA - and then again in December when I graduate with my MPP. That's how it works, right Mom?

We started in Athens and did the obligatory Acropolis, Parthenon and all that jazz. (See the nice pic of dad and I at the Acropolis). Then we headed to Meteora where there are beautiful monasteries built on the mountain tops - one of the highlights from the trip. Legend has it that the stains on the rock formations are the tears shed by all the monks for mankind - regardless, it is just stunning. If you are lucky enough to time it right (as we did) you can miss the tour buses and experience the peace and quiet on top of the mountains looking out to the valley.

Then we went to Delfi, considered the naval of the earth and home to the Oracle. Unfortunately, mom has all of the pics from that part of the trip including documentation that Greece does in deed have 4 BILLION olive trees.

Then we headed to Olympia where my dad and I raced on the Olympic stadium field - perhaps the highlight of the trip for me as I got inspired for the marathon! We met "George" and another "George's" sister - both of which have carried the Olympic torch. I was kind of doubting their story only because everyone seemed to be named George, but the stories seem to check out. It's just that everyone is named George. Anyway, I bet George and George are glad to not be carrying the torch this year. Oh, and Mom played "Where is Waldo" while exploring the ruins. Can you spy her???

We ended the road trip in Nafplion, the old capital city close to Mycenae. And then had the grand finale in Santorini where we stayed in Oia, hiked and enjoyed great sunset views of the volcano and the white buildings built into the mountain sides. Enjoy the pics! The last one is my favorite, and no it has not been photo shopped ;)

Paris!

It's official - I'm a three time marathon finisher - Austin, Chicago and now Paris. It was a beautiful race that went through the heart of Paris starting on the Champs-Elysées and winding through beautiful gardens with views of the Eiffel Tower.

While I did not make my time goal, I did finish faster than before and was on target to make my goal or close to it until the last bit. But most importantly – I enjoyed it even despite a couple of little hiccups, including hail and almost fainting! I finished in 4 hours 49 minutes.

I hit the "wall" at the 30K, a bit earlier than I expected. But the Geneva crew was there to cheer me on! I pulled through with lots of orange slices and the notes from Mom and Dad filled with laughs from Greece and inspiration. Thankfully, I was in good spirits when the hail hit shortly after! I ran the last 8 miles smiling and even encouraging a first time NY marathon runner with Team in Training. Actually, I think she beat me in the end – good for her!

Here is a pic from the start with Rocco, Gio and Ivy. Congratulations!